Facebook just added 50 new gender options

Facebook has just rolled out 50 new gender options for
its users, including: Trans Female, Trans Male, Trans Person,
Gender Variant, Gender Questioning, Bigender, Androgynous,
Pangender and Transsexual. Additionally, the social media giant has
also introduced gender neutral pronouns, allowing users to refer to
themselves as "they/them", if they find the standard "he/him" and
"she/her" too restrictive.

Facebook announced the changes on their diversity page,
stating: "When you come to Facebook to connect with the people,
causes, and organisations you care about, we want you to feel
comfortable being your true, authentic self. An important part of
this is the expression of gender, especially when it extends beyond
the definitions of just 'male' or 'female.' So today, we're proud
to offer a new custom gender option to help you better express your
own identity on Facebook." Unfortunately this feature is
currently only available in the US.

With over 1.2 billion users, this is a welcome
change for many who do not subscribe to notions of
heteronormativity, that is, the belief that people fall into
distinct and complementary genders (male and female) with
pre-determined gender-based roles in life.

Understanding the potential sensitive nature of
announcing an uncommon gender preference, Facebook has also
incorporated a new privacy feature: "We also have added the ability
for people to control the audience with whom they want to share
their custom gender. We recognise that some people face challenges
sharing their true gender identity with others, and this setting
gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic
way."

The president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD), Sarah Kate Ellis, praised the change in
a blog post, stating, "This new feature is a step forward in
recognising transgender people and allows them to tell their
authentic story in their own words. Once again, Facebook is on the
forefront of ensuring that the platform is safe and accessible to
all of its LGBT users."

If you'd like to update your gender but aren't
sure how, Facebook has an updated
guide showing you exactly what to do.